Description
Learn how to make homemade butter from fresh heavy whipping cream with this simple and straightforward recipe. Whip the cream until the butterfat separates, strain out the buttermilk, wash the butter with cold water, and add salt or your favorite flavorings. This fresh butter is perfect for spreading, cooking, and baking, boasting a rich and creamy texture without any preservatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold, not ultra-pasteurized if possible)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or more to taste)
- Ice cold water (for rinsing)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Place the cold heavy whipping cream in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or use a hand mixer or food processor. Whip the cream past the whipped cream stage until the butterfat separates from the liquid, forming clumps of yellow butter and leaving behind thin liquid buttermilk.
- Strain the Butter: Pour the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to separate the solid butter from the liquid buttermilk. Reserve the buttermilk for use in pancakes, biscuits, or other baking recipes.
- Wash the Butter: Transfer the butter solids to a bowl and pour ice-cold water over them. Gently knead the butter with a spatula or your hands to rinse out any remaining buttermilk, which helps extend the freshness of the butter. Drain the water and repeat the rinsing process with fresh cold water until the rinse water runs clear.
- Add Salt and Flavorings: Knead in flaky sea salt to taste to enhance the flavor. Optionally, mix in herbs, honey, or spices to create flavored butter varieties.
- Store: Wrap the butter tightly in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, freeze the butter to preserve it for up to three months.
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream that is not ultra-pasteurized for best flavor and texture.
- Save the strained buttermilk for baking or cooking to avoid waste.
- Rinsing the butter thoroughly removes residual buttermilk, which prevents spoilage and helps the butter last longer.
- You can customize the butter by adding herbs, honey, or spices for flavored variations.
- Store the butter properly wrapped to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of fridge odors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Homemade Dairy
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade butter, fresh butter, whipping cream butter, how to make butter, butter recipe
